“I would like for Slimani to stay,” he said. “This area is for the president. The coach also has a say, and [the Sporting president] knows my opinion,” Jesus told SIC Noticias.

“At present, 30 million for a player like Slimani is nothing.”

Slimani only penned a new contract in August last year and then he spoke of his desire to stay with Sporting and thanked the president for his deal.

“I am very happy with this renewal with Sporting. It is recognition for the work I have been doing at the club,” Slimani told Sporting’s official website. “I am very evolved as a player here and I hope to continue to win more titles at Sporting after the Cup and the Super Cup.”

In an interview with Portuguese outlet La Gazette du Fennec, Slimani added: “I thank him for that [new contract]. This shows that I am important not only for him but also for the team and the club. As I have always said I want to stay here for many years.”